Two nights last week I tossed and turned for hours. No surprise, the day after I was complete toast. I could barely keep my eyes open for work let alone have a quality run or workout. It really threw me off for the rest of the week with my training.
Sleep becomes so much more important as I continue to amp up my training so I am annoyed when I have a rough night. Our body needs the rest to repair and benefit from all the training. I don’t usually run after a bad night’s sleep because odds are I would twist an ankle or fall flat on my face. Thankfully I bounced back by the end of the week I was feeling somewhat rested and ready to take on the weekend.
I managed to get in a few short runs during the week including a jog-commute into my office downtown. Going forward I have to go into the office on Monday, Tuesday and Fridays. I’m only three kilometres away from my work so I will take the opportunity to get in a few more kilometres each week. Running with a backpack, however, is not fun so I am still getting used to the load on my back.
Saturday
I tagged along with a group of runners training for the Beyond the Rocks Ultra in Moab, Utah in a few weeks. Despite some crazy pot holing and dead ends, we got in roughly 25K. My gosh it was nice to have some company on my long run especially on those weeks when I need the motivation.
Sunday
I dragged my tired butt up Moose Mountain Road for a run/hike. I went late Sunday morning, which is unusual for me. Usually I love to be up for when the drawn breaks. But I decided to flip the switch and do my food prep for the week and some light cleaning.
This was my second week in a row that I reached 75 kilometres or more. The best part is that I am not totally wrecked. My body continues to feel strong and ready to take on everything. The consistent strength training and mobility has definitely helped. I am really, really trying to get enough sleep and to eat well.
For the coming week, I will run at least 75 kilometres again before I take a fall back week. The weather looks good (for Alberta) so there are no excuses. Cross your fingers for me – that I sleep well all week.
Do you get eight hours of sleep each night? Do you run after a poor night’s sleep? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.